__________________________________________________________________

SNAP SHOT

_____________________________________________________________
     Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals						JULY 2007
____________________________________________________________________________________
Visit our web site at www.snapreno.com 
This Issue:

President’s Message…………………….….1-3
What Kind of Member Are You?...................4
SNAP Elects 2007-2008 Officers…………….4
Membership Renewal……………...………….5
August Meeting Preview: 
IS “BIG BROTHER” IN YOUR CAR?............6
Legal Humor………………………………..….6
NALA News…………………………………….7
CLE Opportunities………………………….…8
Washoe County Law Library……..……..……9
SNAP Meeting Minutes……………………9-13	                   
SNAP Officers & Contact Info…………...….14
Job Bank......................................................15

SNAP Calendar

NO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING IN JULY

July 17, 2007, Tuesday at 12 Noon
SNAP current and incoming Executive Committees (all elected and appointed officers).   At McDonald Carano firm, 
100 West Liberty St., 10th Floor, Reno.  
All members are welcome.

August 21, 2007, Tuesday at 12 Noon
Monthly membership meeting at the
Black Bear Restaurant.  Speaker will be
Ken Buchner, Accident Reconstructionist.
IS ‘BIG BROTHER’ IN YOUR CAR?
	
MESSAGE FROM 
SNAP’s NEW PRESDENT  Christi Saito

Wow, I just was elected SNAP President for the next two years. I want to thank all of you for your support and confidence in me. Right now the job appears monumental, so I will have to just break it down into “doable” steps. As I said at our annual meeting last month, I have more questions than answers, and I am looking for suggestions.

SNAP has been lucky this year in the high quality members who also were “elected” for the board. It is a mix of previous board members who can remember what was done in the past, what worked and what didn’t; and first timers with their new ideas and “why can’t we do it this way”. 

For those of you who would like to give a little extra to SNAP, there are still “limited opportunities” to be a member of the Executive Board.
                                         (Continued on Page 2)	

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW! 
Use form on Page 5, or go to SNAP website www.snapareno.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE     (Continued from Page 1)

The following positions are available:

Social Activities Chair is for the member who likes planning parties, trying new restaurants, and sampling foods. The major activities are our Holiday Party, Paralegal Day, and Annual Seminar. Do not be afraid, all of these events in the past have been done by committees, they just need an organizer (leader). The Annual Seminar involves working with Renee who will be responsible for the program.

Librarian/Historian is the person who accepts additions to our library and keeps track of any items “borrowed.” Did you know that our library has two binders from the last CLA study group? These binders contain study group members questions and answers from the weekly meetings. There are also CD’s of the handouts from past NALA Conventions and the affiliates exchange presentations. As Historian, you are responsible for keeping the past SNAP records. 

Public Relations is a position SNAP has not filled in several years and I do not know why. SNAP and our profession can only gain more recognition if others know what we do. This position would send notices to other legal organizations about our up coming meetings, speakers and special events. The only reason SNAP is not in the WRIT each month is because SNAP has not sent them any submissions.

Please think about these positions. Remember, this is a limited time offer; whoever speaks first, wins. 

NALA NATIONAL CONVENTION

I wish to thank SNAP’s previous board members who in their infinite wisdom voted to send the NALA Liaison and President each year to the NALA Annual Conventions (treasury allowing.) I truly appreciate the opportunity to be able to attend the convention again as one of SNAP’s representatives.

Kathryn and I will work hard in New Orleans July 11th through July 14th to uphold SNAP’s professional image. We promise to attend all the receptions; network with legal assistants from all over the county; and give out and collect as many business cards as possible. 

Wednesday afternoon one Affiliates Presentation is on “How to Organize a Fun, Successful and Stress-free Seminar.” (I already know how to do that, all you need is Melissa or Debra, but I thought it would be a good idea to have a “Plan B.”) 

Thursday afternoon at the Membership Forum there will be a presentation “Bringing Out the Leader in You.” (I hope this helps me find out if there is a leader in me or just a big mouth.)

With classes in the mornings, meetings in the afternoons, and receptions in the evenings; the convention is a full agenda. I hope that somewhere in there we will find time to sample the fine New Orleans cuisine and do a little shopping. 

Next month’s SNAP Shot will have a report on what we learned at the NALA Convention and how hard Kathryn and I worked.

MEMBER’S HOMEWORK

Your homework, should you choose to accept it, is:

	What area(s) of law you would like our annual seminar to cover in 2008.  
	What month would you like our annual seminar to be in?
	What month would you like Paralegal Day to be in?
	Would you like to continue having the monthly meetings at Black Bear? If not, do you have any suggestions for an alternate location that can accommodate 40-45 people? 
	What questions do you have for your board?

Homework will not be graded, but participation is appreciated and might some how earn you “extra points” for Paralegal Day. Your homework can be submitted any way you like; fax, mail, email or Reno/Carson to any of the board members. We would appreciate if you added your name to the homework so that the board will know whom to contact for more details on your suggestions. All questions will be answered; if it is important to you, you deserve an answer.

And always feel free to contact me at any time with questions and suggestions.

Thank you again for your support,
Christine (Christi) Saito, ACP
President 
csaito@washoelegalservices.org

More from Christi……………

I found this on Nevada Paralegal Association’s website. They gave us permission to print it in our SNAP Shot. The author is thought to have been a member of CCOLA, but the name is forever lost. 
What Kind of Member Are You?
Are you an active member – the kind that would be missed;
Or are you just content to say your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the crowd;
Or would you rather stay at home, complaining long and loud?
Do you give up a little time and help to make things click;
Or leave the work to just a few, and talk about the “clique?”
There’s quite a program schedule that means success is done,
And it can be accomplished, with the help of everyone.
So come to the meetings and help with hand and heart;
Don’t be just another member, but take an active part.
Think it over, member, are you right or wrong?
Are you an active member, or do you just belong?

[posted @ Wednesday, June 06, 2007 10:15 PM by Pat Altstatt
Printed with the permission of Nevada Paralegal Association]

[Editor’s Note:  This is a very popular poem.  Just for fun, I Googled the first line and found the poem posted on numerous websites.  The first site listed was Philadelphia Association of Paralegals.   A wide variety of other groups, including business, military, fraternal, and gardening, have also used this poem to inspire their membership.] 

SNAP ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008

On June 19, 2007, the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals elected the following individuals to serve as officers. 

President:   Christi Saito, ACP (two year term)
First VP:   Renee Kelly, CLA
Second VP:   Misty Taylor
Secretary:  Ginny Cassazza, RG
Treasurer:  April Sferrazzo, CLA
NALA Liaison: Kathryn Vitalie, CP

The incoming and outgoing elected and appointed officers will meet on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 12 noon, at McDonald, Carano & Wilson (100 West Liberty - 10th Floor).  All members are welcome.

			SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS
			Affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants
				P.O. Box 2832, Reno, NV  89505

			2007 - 2008 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL APPLICATION

SNAP's membership year runs from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008.  Membership dues are 
payable July 1, 2007, in the following amounts:

			Active		$50.00 		or	$45.00	(If Paid Before August 20)
			Retired		$20.00		or	$15.00	(If Paid Before August 20)
			*Associate	$30.00		or	$25.00	(If Paid Before August 20)
			*Student	$20.00		or	$15.00	(If Paid Before August 20)
			Sustaining 	$75.00

*If you wish to upgrade your membership to active status, you will need to fill out a separate, full 
membership application.  Please use the APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP available on our 
website at www.snapreno.com

Make your check payable to SNAP, and mail application and check to:
SNAP, P.O. Box 2832, Reno, Nevada 89505

Name: _________________________________________ CLA Designation: _________ M/F  ____
			[Please Print]
Residence 
Address:  ________________________________________________________________________	
Residence 					Business
Telephone:  ___________________________ 	Telephone:  ___________________________

E-mail address:  ___________________________________________________________________

Employer:  _______________________________________________________________________		

Employer 
Address:  ________________________________________________________________________

Area(s) of Specialization:  ___________________________________________________________

Experience in States 
Other than Nevada (list):  ___________________________________________________________ 

Membership 
Category:   	Active _________   Retired ___________   Associate __________   Student _________

	I agree to continue to be bound by the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility adopted by 
the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., subscribed to by the Sierra Nevada Association of 
Paralegals, and the By-Laws as adopted by the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals.

___________________________________________________		__________________
[Signature]									  [Date]

I prefer SNAP information to be sent to my:		home  _____		office _____

			IS “BIG BROTHER” IN YOUR CAR?

SNAP’s  Monthly Membership Meeting  on Tuesday, August 21, will feature Ken Buchner, retired deputy sheriff and accident reconstructionist.  He has provided us with a preview of his presentation:

There are numerous names for the little box in your car that some people are very afraid of:  “Black Box” and “Big Brother” are just two of them.  We are of course speaking of the Airbag Control Module.

Because of the media, most people have a distorted idea of what the module can and cannot do and how it works.  There is a common misconception that this little box will tell the cops how fast a driver was going, where he/she has been, etc.

At the August meeting Ken will discuss what the system is, which vehicles it is in, and how the information is utilized to determine events that occurred during an accident event.

More on this topic, and the meeting reservation form, will be in the August SNAP Shot.
	
LEGALESE VS. PLAIN ENGLISH

Legalese: "To the extent that possible manifestations of operational, organic and/or intrinsic deficiencies are agreed upon by any and all concerned parties to be imperceivable and imperceptable, not pertinent (“impertinent”), and may actually be non-existent, and in any event do not impair the reasonable functioning of such manifestations, and to the extent that such agreement is so stipulated to by said parties, it is incumbent upon said heretofore mentioned parties to refrain from suggesting or performing any and all improvements, modifications, repairs, or changes, from now and forever after."
Plain English: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

What's wrong with Lawyer jokes?
Lawyers don't think they're funny, and nobody else thinks they're jokes.

NALA NEWS
www.nala.org - website has a wealth of information for you

UPCOMING NALA DATES - 2007
July 11-14	Annual Convention in New Orleans.  	
July 20-21	CLA Exam	
October 1	Application Filing deadline 	
October 16	Late Application Filing deadline	
November 30 &
December 1	CLA Exam	

View the latest issue of the Affiliates Brief at http://www.nala.org/Aff-Brief.pdf

Visit www.nalacampus.com to review the many online learning opportunities

Initial LEAP Class Named

An inaugural class of 15 paralegals from throughout the nation has been selected for the first year of NALA’s Leadership Enhancement And Preparation (LEAP) program.  The volunteers for this intensive “LEAP Year” of leadership training will have their first meeting during the 32nd annual NALA convention this month in New Orleans.

More information about this exciting new program may be found on the NALA website at www.nala.org  or by contacting NALA headquarters at 1516 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119  or by phone (918) 583-5485.

			

			
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME!
ANNOUNCEMENTS – NOTICES – ARTICLES - SUGGESTIONS
Submit by the 25th of each month to your newsletter editor: ggailgaur@pyramid.net	

Would you like us to Get To Know You better? This is a series appearing intermittently in the newsletter. You may volunteer a brief autobiography.  Submit to Newsletter Editor, Gloria Jaureguy, at ggailgaur@pyramid.net

	

Check our website at www.snapreno.com for upcoming events and links to great legal sites.  Also you can review our Bylaws, get membership forms, and obtain other information to keep you “in the loop.”

CLE OPPORTUNITIES

August 22

“E-Discovery for Paralegals” Las Vegas, NV 

Presented by the Institute for Paralegal Education, www.ipe-sems.com

September 17

“The Probate Process From Start to Finish for Paralegals” Las Vegas, NV

Presented by the Institute for Paralegal Education, www.ipe-sems.com

September 18

“Title Law in Nevada” Las Vegas, NV

Presented by the National Business Institute, www.nbi-sems.com

September 20-21	
“Paralegal Trial Institute” Las Vegas, NV

Presented by Estrin LegalEd, www.estrinlegaled.com			

WASHOE COUNTY LAW LIBRARY
75 Court Street, Room 101, Reno, NV
(775) 328-3250

July  2007

Library Hours
Monday through Thursday	8 am to 9 pm
  Friday 			8 am to 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday 	        10 am to 5 pm
-----------------

Free Legal Seminar 
A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO THE DEBT COLLECTION PROCESS

Thursday, July 26, 2007, 5-7 PM
Speaker: Thomas Brooksbank, Esq.
Washoe County Law Library – 75 Court Street, Reno
R. Z. Hawkins Conference Room

Space is limited.  Sign up ahead of time by calling 328-3250

 
Check the Washoe County Law Library website www.washoecounty.us/lawlib/ for continuing information on legal seminars, legal links, and much other information.

	

MINUTES OF THE SNAP 
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 
June 19, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Laura Carlson at 12:09 p.m. at Black Bear Restaurant in Reno.  A quorum was present.

President’s Report
President Laura Carlson announced that the SNAP elections would be the focus of this meeting and other officers’ reports were waived.  Laura thanked the SNAP members present for supporting SNAP and she thanked the board for their service.  She presented each board member with a beautiful gift of jewelry from her recent trip to New Mexico.

Laura advised that there would be no general membership meeting in July but that the Executive Committee (EC) meeting would be held on July 17, 2007 at noon at McDonald Carano and should be attended by both the outgoing and incoming SNAP EC members.  She further reminded the existing EC members to deliver their binders to her for scanning prior to the July 17 meeting and to bring their completed binders to the July meeting to transfer to the new officers.

First Vice-President Christi Saito, ACP presented the gavel to President Carlson, which was engraved with her name, as well as all the past presidents of SNAP.  Christi also gave Laura a spa gift certificate from the board.  The gavel was passed around the room for viewing.

NALA Liaison Amy Hodgson presented a CLA/CP pin to Sara Pastore.  Congratulations Sara!

The minutes from the May general membership meeting were approved.

Kate Cline, CP, Parliamentarian then began the elections process.  Each nominated EC member stood and recited their bios.  Kate read Misty Taylor’s bio aloud as Misty was unable to attend the meeting due to a last-minute emergency.  The vote then ensued.  Since there was only one candidate running for each office, a written vote was not required.  After the vote, Kate welcomed the new EC members:

President:   Christi Saito, ACP (two year term) 
First VP:   Renee Kelly, CLA 
Second VP:   Misty Taylor 
Secretary:  Ginny Cassazza, RG
Treasurer:  April Sferrazzo, CLA
NALA Liaison: Kathryn Vitalie, CP

Christi Saito, incoming President, stated that she and Kathryn Vitalie, CP, the incoming NALA Liaison, would be attending and representing SNAP at the NALA Annual Convention in New Orleans, July 11-14. With no new or miscellaneous business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Melissa Paschal, CP
Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SNAP
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
June 7, 2007

The Executive Committee (EC) meeting was called to order by President Laura Carlson at 12:06 p.m. at McDonald Carano Wilson’s offices in Reno.  A quorum was present.  Those in attendance were:
Laura Carlson, CP, President
Melissa Paschal, CP, Secretary
Jennifer Grundy, CP, Treasurer
Amy Hodgson, NALA Liaison
Kate Cline, CP, Parliamentarian
Gloria Jaureguy, Newsletter Editor
Misty Taylor, Social Activities Chair
MaryAnn Cushman, Student Liaison

President’s Report
President Laura Carlson advised that she will be out of town but will have a runner pick up the mail and get the lunch order ready to fax to Black Bear restaurant for the June meeting.  Laura announced that Kate Cline will handle the SNAP elections at the June membership meeting.  Laura will be proctoring the CLA exam in July.  Laura, Kate Cline and April Sferrazzo, the nominated Treasurer for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, will perform an audit of the books following the close of the fiscal year and prepare a budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year prior to transfer of the books to the new treasurer.

First Vice-President’s Report
First Vice-President Christi Saito was unable to attend the meeting.

Second Vice-President’s/Website Manager’s Report
Second Vice-President Crystal Huss was unable to attend the meeting.

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Melissa Paschal had no report.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Jennifer Grundy reported that there were still five missing checks for the April luncheon.  An email will be sent regarding reissuance of checks.  The new SNAP President, First Vice-President and Treasurer will be the authorized signatories on the new checking accounts that we open at Nevada State Bank.  Jennifer will have totals for Paralegal Day and for the Mock Trial prior to transfer of the books.

NALA Liaison’s Report
NALA Liaison Amy Hodgson had no report.

Parliamentarian’s Report
Parliamentarian Kate Cline advised that proxy and ballot forms for the upcoming SNAP elections will be in the June SNAP Shot newsletter, including her nomination committee report.

Newsletter Editor’s Report
Newsletter Editor Gloria Jaureguy had no report.

Social Activities Chair’s Report
Social Activities Chair Misty Taylor will contact Judge Kosach’s assistant to arrange for a SNAP speaker at UNR for the next paralegal studies program, as he teaches there.

Student Liaison’s Report
Student Liaison/future Website Manager MaryAnn Cushman suggested that we change the colors in the SNAP website, and she will propose this idea to the new board.  She may have found a less expensive web hosting service as well.  She will verify the information and submit it to the new board for a vote.

Miscellaneous Business
There was no new or miscellaneous business to discuss.  With all business complete, the meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Melissa Paschal, CP
Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SNAP
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
May 1, 2007

The Executive Committee (EC) meeting was called to order by President Laura Carlson at 12:10 p.m. at McDonald Carano Wilson’s offices in Reno.  A quorum was present.  Those in attendance were:

Laura Carlson, CP, President
Melissa Paschal, CP, Secretary
Jennifer Grundy, CP, Treasurer
Kate Cline, CP, Parliamentarian
Gloria Jaureguy, Newsletter Editor
Misty Taylor, Social Activities Chair
MaryAnn Cushman, Student Liaison

President’s Report
President Laura Carlson announced that SNAP elections will be held at the June general membership meeting on June 19, 2007.  The July EC meeting will be attended by both the outgoing and incoming officers of SNAP.  Laura will request volunteers for the Secretary position at the next general membership meeting.  Laura requested that all current officers have their final reports, books and/or binders ready for transfer to the new officers at the July EC meeting.

First Vice-President’s Report
First Vice-President Christi Saito was unable to attend the meeting.

Second Vice-President’s/Website Manager’s Report
Second Vice-President Crystal Huss was unable to attend the meeting.

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Melissa Paschal reported that she was able to get Judge Bridgett Robb Peck to agree to speak at the May general membership meeting, since our original speaker had to cancel on short notice.  We briefly discussed William Ginsburg’s ideas of creating a “depo share library” for local paralegals, and creating a Northwestern Regional Paralegal Association to include Northern Nevada, Northern California, Oregon & Washington.  Melissa will send an email to all SNAP members regarding the depo share project.  We determined we would not pursue the paralegal association venture at this time.  Perhaps the next EC committee will think it’s a worthwhile mission, so we could have our annual seminars in rotating locations, enabling us to travel and network with paralegals from other states.  Melissa volunteered to continue taking minutes at the meetings until the new Secretary is elected.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Jennifer Grundy reported that SNAP wishes to switch banks before the new EC committee takes over.  Nevada State Bank is the preferred bank, but it will be up to the new EC.  Jennifer will have accounting totals for Paralegal Day and the Mock Trial ready before transfer of the books to the new Treasurer.

NALA Liaison’s Report
NALA Liaison Amy Hodgson was unable to attend the meeting.

Parliamentarian’s Report
Parliamentarian Kate Cline briefly discussed the upcoming elections and reported that MaryAnn Cushman will continue as student liaison for now and also volunteered to be the new Website Manager for the next fiscal year.  Kate will have her books ready to transfer by June 30, 2007.

Newsletter Editor’s Report
Newsletter Editor Gloria Jaureguy reported that she is happy to serve as the newsletter editor for another year.  Gloria indicated that Christi Saito will be attending the NALA Convention in New Orleans.

Social Activities Chair’s Report
Social Activities Chair Misty Taylor suggested that we arrange for a SNAP speaker at UNR for the paralegal studies program.  Everyone agreed this was a great idea.  Misty will make the initial contacts.

Student Liaison’s Report
Student Liaison MaryAnn Cushman reported that she will continue as student liaison for now but will begin to recruit a new person.

Miscellaneous Business
There was no new or miscellaneous business to discuss.  The minutes from the April 2007 meeting were approved.  With all business complete, the meeting adjourned at 12:58 p.m.

Melissa Paschal, CP
Secretary

SNAP Officers and Chairpersons for 2007-2008

[NOTE: These are the newly elected officers.  More complete contact information, including the appointed officers, will be published next month. ]

PRESIDENT:
Christi Saito, ACP
Washoe Legal Services
Phone: 329-2727, ext. 123
csaito@washoelegalservices.org

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT/EDUCATION:
Renee Kelly, CLA
425-8616
reneemkelly@sbcglobal.net

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT/MEMBERSHIP/JOB BANK:
Misty Taylor
Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario
Phone: 741-7330
mtaylor@kkbrf.com

SECRETARY:
Ginny Cassazza, RG
287-5005
ginnycasazza@clearwire.net

TREASURER:
April Sferrazzo, CLA
McKissick, Van Walraven & Harris
828-5005
april@mvh.com

NALA LIAISON:
Kathryn Vitalie, CP
825-5642
vitaliek@prodigy.net

PAST PRESIDENT:
Laura Carlson, CLA
McDonald Carano
Phone: 788-2000
lcarlson@mcdonaldcarano.com

SNAP Shot is an official publication of the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (“SNAP”).
SNAP Address:  Post Office Box 2832, Reno, Nevada  89505

SNAP Shot is published monthly. The 2007-2008 Editor is Gloria Jaureguy. Please e-mail Gloria at ggailgaur@pyramid.net
to submit newsletter information. Deadline for submitting articles for publication in the newsletter is the 25th of each month.
SNAP does not endorse any specific educational program. Information provided in the SNAP Shot is to be evaluated by the reader. All editorial material is to be used at the discretion of the reader and does not imply endorsement by the editor, SNAP, its officers or members.
SNAP may make members’ names and business addresses available to legal related entities without the direct consent of each member. Members who do not want their information released must advise the Executive Committee in writing.